The Medieval Monterosso, as it was usual, had fortified structure. The whole od todays old town was surrounded by the city walls with 13 defending towers, but Torre Aurora is the only survived. Actually it wasn't part of the 13th century city walls being constructed in a later period.Torre Aurora was built in the 16th century with the purpose to protect Monterosso from invaders, especially African pirates. This defending tower stands tall on a headland and juts in to the sea. Locals call it "torre al picco di mare" (tower at the peak of the sea). The tower is private property today and therefore unavailable for the public visitors. I can only imagine how brilliant photo stop it must be. It overlooking both parts of Monterosso, the old village and Fegina and the view from its top must be magnificent.